HC Deb 17 August 1831 vol 6 cc157-8
Mr. O'Connell

on presenting a petition from the householders of St. Michan's, Dublin, praying for the introduction of Poor-laws into Ireland, said, he was unwilling to consent to the absolute and positive necessity of complying with the prayer of the petition; but, he trusted Government would take the subject into its serious consideration, and endeavour to introduce some practical measure that might avoid the evils of the English system, and prevent that demoralization of the people, which was consequent upon its operation. Such laws had been in force here about 200 years, and various attempts had been made for their improvement, but hitherto without adequate success. He entertained serious objections to such laws, but he feared in the present condition of Ireland, they had no other resource than to adopt some measure of the sort—Petition to be printed.